Vietnam Veterans' Day

A commemorative service in Griffith

Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War from 1962 – 1975 involved almost 60,000 Australians of whom 521 paid the ultimate sacrifice.

More than 3,000 were wounded and many thousands returned home to battle a variety of illnesses that endure to this day as a consequence of their service in Vietnam.

August 18 commemorates the Battle of Long Tan (fought on 18 August, 1966) and this date had formerly been known as Long Tan Day, however this was just one battle on one day and there were many other battles at other times over the 12 years and it was decided to change the name.

So in 1987 Prime Minister Bob Hawke designated 18 August as Australia’s official Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

At 4pm this Friday, the Griffith RSL Sub Branch will be holding a brief service at Memorial Park Griffith to remember all Vietnam Veterans on this the 55th Anniversary of the Vietnam War . Any and all veterans are invited to attend.

Following the service all attendees are invited to meet at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club for refreshments and to share a meal.